ST. LOUIS – It’s the time of year again when lawnmowers are back in action and homeowners are busy sprucing up their yards. But there’s more to mowing than making your yard look sharp.

Stray grass clippings, which may occur from mowers who don’t bag or properly direct them, can create hazardous conditions on roadways for motorcyclists and bicyclists.

Because freshly-cut grass clipping mostly consist of water, they can act like a sheet of ice on roadways, increasing the risks of wipeouts, serious injuries or fatal encounters.

Beyond safety concerns, grass clippings can also become an environmental issue. During rainstorms, they may wash into storm drains and waterways, contributing to pollution and clogging drainage systems.

Furthermore, in some cases, those grass clippings could get you into legal trouble around the St. Louis area.

Missouri does not have a specific statewide law about grass clippings on roads, but its general littering statute prohibits depositing any kind of “refuse” on public roadways. That could apply to grass clipping, and reported violations could lead to a Class C misdemeanor.

Across state lines, Illinois classifies grass clippings on the roads as litter under the Illinois Litter Control Act, which applies statewide. A first offense could cost up to $1,500 with steeper fines or even charges for repeat violations.

Along with state considerations, some counties and municipalities across the states may have ordinances that ban debris, including lawn clippings, on public streets.

To avoid issues with grass clippings, mowers should keep the following considerations in mind:

• If possible, use a bagging attachment to collect clips
• Mow several paths that shoot grass clipping away from the roads.
• Once you’ve created a buffer zone, continue mowing so that clippings blow inward.
• If grass ends up in the street, take a few moments to sweep or blow it back onto your lawn.

By following these practices, mowers can help keep roadways safe and avoid legal consequences.